The higher the skill, the better you are at a given ability. Higher weapon skills (Distance, Club, Sword, and Axe Fighting) yield higher damage and accuracy. Higher shielding skills make you more likely to block an attack with your shield. Higher magic level allows you to cause more damage with Attack Runes and Spells, or heal more hitpoints with Healing Runes and Spells. Higher fishing skill gives you a better chance of catching fish.

The highest skills are organized in a rank. Each game server has its own statistics, and you can see them arranged by the skill of your choice. The fight for the first place on the skill rank tables has lead to a wave of power gaming.